LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --LOUIS XIII Cognac, the world's most esteemed spirit from the House of Remy Martin, and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA)yesterday bestowed the inaugural television arts "Critics' Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award" to acclaimed television and film screenwriter, director and producer Ryan Murphy at the 4th annual Critics' Choice Television Awards ceremony. Presented by Jim Parsons, starring actor of Big Bang Theory and The Normal Heart, Murphy received the distinctive honor for demonstrating unbridled excellence in the television arts. LOUIS XIII is celebrated globally as a genius blend of superb cognacs and is committed to recognizing genius in other creative areas.

Originally a journalist writing for publications such as The Miami Herald, The Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly and New York Daily News, Murphy has become one of television's most celebrated creators. He is award-winning creator, writer and director of FX's original miniseries American Horror Story, the award-winning Fox smash hit series Glee and FX's award-winning original drama series Nip/Tuck. Murphy's latest directorial project was the HBO adaptation of Larry Kramer's award-winning The Normal Heart, which premiered May 25, 2014 and stars Mark Ruffalo, Julia Roberts and Matt Bomer. The Normal Heart received the 2014 Critics' Choice Award for "Best Movie."

"From poignant reality-based movies to dark and twisted horror to musical theater, Ryan Murphy's creativity knows no bounds," said Joey Berlin, president of the BTJA, which gives out the Critics' Choice Awards. "It is a privilege to be able to recognize the incredible talent and breadth of work that he has developed for television viewers thus far in his career, and we look forward to seeing what lies ahead."

"We are honored to partner with the Broadcast Television Journalists Association to present the Critics' Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award for the first time," said Augustin Depardon, Global Marketing Director, LOUIS XIII. "Ryan Murphy's uniquely compelling contribution to television and influence on culture both today and tomorrow deserves to be recognized."

The Critics' Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award also honors unprecedented excellence in the cinematic arts in partnership with the Broadcast Film Critics Association at the annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards.

LOUIS XIII Cognac was created in 1874 by the House of Remy Martin founded in 1724. It is an intricate alchemy blended from 1,200 eaux-de-vie, created from grapes grown in the chalky soils of Grande Champagne, the best growing area of the Cognac region, France. This cognac ages up to 100 years in specially crafted barrels called tiercons. Four generations of cellar masters have worked to oversee the unique blend, which evokes tasting notes and scents of myrrh, honey, immortelle, plum, honeysuckle, wood bark, leather and passion fruits, making it the most complex and most prestigious Cognac in the world.

About BTJA

The Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA) is a partner organization to the Broadcast Film Critics Association. BTJA includes TV, radio and Internet journalists who cover television on a regular basis. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com